A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has left at least 18 people dead and caused massive disruptions from the Southern Plains to New England. The storm brought dangerous conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and bitterly cold temperatures, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake.
The South has been particularly hard-hit, with hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses still without power. Ice accumulation snapped tree limbs and downed power lines, cutting off electricity and leaving communities in the dark and cold. Utility crews are racing against time and extreme weather to restore service.
The Northeast continues to dig out after significant snowfall, with some regions receiving over a foot. Meanwhile, the central and southern U.S. are enduring a deep freeze that has extended hazardous conditions well into the new week.
Among the storm’s victims were two teenagers in separate sledding accidents, as well as others who succumbed to the cold. In Kansas, a young teacher was found dead in the snow after leaving a bar. In New York City, three people died on the streets over the weekend due to exposure.
Travel across the country remains treacherous. Thousands of flights were canceled, and roads are slick with ice and snow, making even short trips dangerous. Authorities continue to advise residents to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
As the storm moves out of the Northeast, dangerously low temperatures are expected to linger, compounding recovery efforts and putting additional strain on power infrastructure. Officials are urging residents to stay warm, look out for vulnerable neighbors, and conserve power where possible.
The storm’s deadly impact has underscored the need for preparedness and rapid response as extreme weather events become increasingly common.
